We all dream of the day our homes are beautiful enough to be featured on HGTV, but we also know houses come with a big price tag. Did you know the furniture on Fixer Upper isn’t even included in the budget and is often sent back after the show? That’s because furniture can really drive up your expenses if you aren’t careful!
Here are some tips to keep more money in your pockets while still filling your house stylishly.
Budget
When starting from scratch, the average person spends around $8,000 to fill an apartment and even more to furnish an entire house. Keep this price tag in mind and start a budget – or even a savings account – for your home furnishings to help prevent empty rooms and empty wallets.
Start with all of your essentials. What will you absolutely need to live? Somewhere to sleep, eat, a place to sit, storage perhaps? Determine which rooms you will spend the most time in and make it a priority to fill these rooms first. If you have anything in your current inventory, look and see what can be used from it and utilize those items as well.
Set a budget and stick to it, even if you absolutely love that chair that’s $50 more than you wanted to spend!
Upcycle & Recycle
Browse your local thrift store or consignment shop first. Estate sales, yard sales, and flea markets are also a good place to look for discounted furniture. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Offerup, and Freecycle are great online tools to find low cost or free furniture.
Put out some feelers to your loved ones or friends, you never know who may be looking to get rid of something! Even if Grandma’s coffee table or your dad’s couch aren’t exactly your style, secondhand furniture can always be repainted, refinished, or reupholstered.
If you aren’t starting from scratch, you can even refresh pieces you already own to give your home a new look. Try rearranging your current furniture to see if any pieces can serve a new purpose or fill a space differently.
DIY is great if you’re in search of a craft project or have some extra time on your hands. Pallets or crates are easily transformed into creative tables or bookshelves, driftwood can even make gorgeous shelving units. Browse online tutorials and then find fun items in your style that can be little to no cost and make them into something fun.
Buy Smart
Try to spread out your purchases. Various items go on sale throughout the year and overtime your house will begin to feel more like a home. Electronics usually go on sale the first few months of the year, furniture in May, and mattresses in September. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are also great times to shop around for deals.
Purchasing multi-purpose furniture is also a great way to knock two items off your list at once. End tables that have shelving space beneath them, ottomans or benches that can serve as table surfaces, or even sleeper sofas or futons for seating and sleeping arrangements.
If you don’t have a chance to try your potential furniture first, read product reviews and familiarize yourself with the online company’s return policy.
Shop Slow
Buying things can be super exciting! However, it’s important to move a little slower when searching for big ticket items like furniture. Try to avoid hitting “add to cart” on the first dresser that catches your eye, so you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse.
Do some research online with companies like IKEA, Wayfair, or even Amazon! You may be surprised to find items that look like the designer couch you wanted to buy, but for a much better price. Companies may also hold sales or send out coupons, so always keep an eye out for pop-up savings.
There are no rules when you’re furnishing and decorating your home. Look around, do your research, and have fun – your creativity might save you some money!